Almost two full months since the European Formula 3 Open was last in action, the 2013 season is ready to resume at Spa-Francorchamps next weekend, 7th/8th September, where British racer Sean Walkinshaw has high hopes of challenging for his second podium of the year.
During the seven weeks which have passed by since the previous two rounds of European F3 Open competition, the 19-year-old from Chipping Norton has been keeping very busy in his role as owner of multiple race-winning BRDC Formula 4 Championship team SWR.
While delighted with the success which SWR has been enjoying in recent weeks, including two wins at the last two events, Sean cannot wait to get back behind the wheel himself and is determined to try and add to the Copa Class rostrum finish he achieved in Formula 3 at Jerez in Spain in mid-June.
“I really am looking forward to being back in the car, back racing and hopefully challenging for some more podiums – Spa is such a fantastic circuit”, said the Team West-Tec driver, who has strong ties to Belgium having been born in Brussels, “The aim, obviously, is to try and repeat what we managed in Jerez. We’ve definitely improved as the season has gone on, I’m much more confident now.”
Although missing out on points finishes during the first three events of his maiden campaign in F3, Sean made a significant step forward for round seven at Jerez and was rapid across the weekend before converting that pace into a richly deserved top three ‘Copa’ result.
During the subsequent event at Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit, his ‘home’ venue, the Dallara F308 driver was again in the points and so arrives at Spa ninth in the Copa Class standings. As well as looking forward to his return to competitive action, Sean is also relishing the opportunity to sample Dunlop’s new tyre compound which will be introduced for the first time next weekend.
“It’ll be interesting to see the difference the new tyre makes, the important thing is to get some good set-up work done in testing”, he added, “When we’ve managed that, we’ve generally gone on to have a decent weekend.”
Following free practice at Spa next Friday, 6th September, qualifying for round 11 of the European F3 Open season will get underway at 09.45 (local time) on Saturday, 7th September, with the race itself following at 15.00 (local time).
On Sunday, 8th September, round 12 qualifying is timetabled to begin at 09.00 (local time) with the race scheduled to start at 13.30 (local time) – both of the weekend’s races are expected to be shown live on Motors TV, please check listings for full details.
Provisional 2013 European Formula 3 Open ‘Copa Class’ Standings (after Rd10):
9th Sean Walkinshaw, 9pts